US-Israel-Iran War Highlights: '14-hour talks conclude', Iran says dialogue with US to continue with expert texts

Iran War: Israel PM slams Erdogan after comments on Iran ceasefire

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sharply criticised Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Saturday after comments he made about the US-Iran ceasefire, vowing that Israel would continue fighting Tehran and its regional proxies.

Shortly after the United States and Iran agreed to a ceasefire earlier this week, Erdogan warned US President Donald Trump of "possible provocations and sabotage" that could undermine the agreement, without specifying who might threaten the deal.

On Saturday, Netanyahu responded by criticising the Turkish leader.

"Israel, under my leadership, will continue to fight Iran's terror regime and its proxies, unlike Erdogan who accommodates them and massacred his own Kurdish citizens," Netanyahu said on X.

During his phone call with Trump, Erdogan also urged that the truce "not be compromised under any circumstances," saying Turkey would offer its full support to ensure as much.

Turkey, while a fierce critic of Israel, joined diplomatic efforts with Egypt and Pakistan to reach a ceasefire in the conflict.

Later on Saturday, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz also lashed out at Erdogan on X, calling him a "paper tiger".

Israel Iran War: Israel PM says war succeeded in 'crushing' Iran nuclear, missile programmes

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Saturday that the joint US-Israeli campaign against Iran had succeeded in "crushing" the Islamic republic's nuclear and ballistic missile programmes.

Netanyahu's comments came as Iranian and US officials held two rounds of face-to-face talks in Pakistan in a bid to end the Middle East war, with a third round expected later on Saturday evening or Sunday, Iranian state television reported.

"We have succeeded in crushing the nuclear programme, and crushing the missile programme," Netanyahu said in a televised statement, adding that the war against Tehran had also weakened Iran's leadership and its regional allies.

"We have reached a situation in which Iran no longer has a single functioning enrichment facility."

Netanyahu said the United States and Israel had prevented Iran from acquiring a nuclear bomb by launching a war in June 2025, followed by the current campaign that began on February 28.

He said the latest war was launched after intelligence indicated that the now deceased Iranian supreme leader Ali Khamenei had sought to expand the country's nuclear and missile programmes even after the June 2025 war.

"He sought to bury both missile production and nuclear production deep, deep beneath a mountain, in a way that even B-2 aircraft could not reach. Once again, we could not stand by. We acted," Netanyahu said.

'14-hour talks conclude': Iran says dialogue with US to continue with expert texts

Government of Iran posted on X, "Iran-US talks mediated by Pakistan concluded after 14 hours. Technical teams from both sides are now exchanging expert texts. Negotiations will continue despite some remaining differences."

US Iran Talks: Iran talks to continue for hours as no deal reached in previous round

Iran’s semi-official Tasnim news agency reported that the talks are set to continue for several more hours as discussions remain ongoing.

A source cited by Iran’s Fars News Agency said the two sides failed to reach an understanding in the previous round and are now working on a revised draft, with another round of negotiations agreed upon following a proposal by Pakistan.

Iran War Ceasefire News: US-Iran talks in Islamabad end first phase after hours of negotiations

The first phase of in-person talks between the United States and Iran concluded late Saturday in Islamabad after several hours of negotiations involving senior officials from both sides, marking a key step in the ongoing diplomatic process.

Following the discussions, the two delegations exchanged written texts outlining areas of understanding reached during the day, according to Iranian state media Press TV—an effort seen as formalising progress made during the face-to-face engagement.

The development follows an earlier round of talks and sets the stage for continued negotiations, widely viewed as a crucial attempt to ease tensions and work toward a structured agreement between Washington and Tehran.

Iran’s Tasnim news agency reported that the latest round stretched into late-night deliberations, underscoring the urgency and sensitivity of the dialogue. The presence of top representatives from both sides in Islamabad highlighted the high-level nature of the engagement.

The US delegation includes Vice President JD Vance, special envoy Steve Witkoff and senior adviser Jared Kushner. Iran is represented by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf and senior diplomat Ali Bagheri Kani.

“It seems that this is the last chance for the Iranian team to reach a common framework in this round of talks,” Tasnim reported.

'We are in a deep negotiation with Iran': Donald Trump

Responding to news agency ANI's question of whether the US will release Iranian Assets, US President Donald Trump said, "We will see what happens. We are in a deep negotiation with Iran, we win regardless. We have defeated them militarily... We are sweeping the Strait... Whether we make a deal or not, it makes no difference to me — and the reason is because we've won... We were not helped by Nato..."

US Iran war: Donald Trump threatens China on reports of weapons shipping to Iran

On reports of China shipping weapons to Iran, US President Donald Trump says, "If China does that, China is going to have big problems."

'They have no navy, radar or air force': Donald Trump on Iran

US President Donald Trump said, "... They have no navy, radar or air force. Their leaders are all dead... For many years he ruled; he's gone. With all of that, let's see what happens — but from my standpoint, I don't care."

Iran war news: IRGC Navy warns of ‘severe’ response to military vessels in Strait of Hormuz

The IRGC Navy has warned that any military vessels attempting to pass through the Gulf waterway will face a “severe” response.

In a statement carried by Iran’s semi-official Tasnim news agency, it said the force has full authority to manage the Strait of Hormuz and that only civilian ships would be allowed to transit under specified conditions.

US Iran talks: Donald Trump says US ‘wins’ regardless of Iran talks outcome

US President Donald Trump said the United States would come out ahead “regardless of what happens” in the latest talks with Iran.

Speaking at the White House, he added, “We’ve totally defeated that country. We’ll see what happens—maybe they make a deal, maybe they don’t. From America’s standpoint, we win.”

US Iran talks: Israel and Lebanon will have direct negotiations

Negotiations between Israel and Lebanon are expected to begin Tuesday in Washington, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun’s office said Friday, after Israel's surprise announcement authorizing talks despite the countries lack of official relations.

But thousands in Lebanon protested the planned negotiations, and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said he had postponed a planned trip to Washington “in light of the current internal circumstances.” It was not immediately clear what that meant for the talks.

Israel wants the Lebanese government to assume responsibility for disarming Hezbollah, much like was envisaged in a November 2024 ceasefire. But it is unclear whether Lebanon's army can confiscate weapons from the militant group, which has survived efforts to curb its strength for decades.

Iran in constant touch with Lebanon to ensure ceasefire, says Iran's FM spokesperson: Iran Media

Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said on Saturday that Tehran is in constant contact with Beirut to ensure that the ceasefire commitments in Lebanon are upheld, as reported by Iranian media Fars news agency.

According to Fars, Baghaei, speaking from Islamabad where formal US-Iran negotiations are underway to end the ongoing conflict in West Asia, said the Iranian delegation has already engaged with Pakistani officials and clearly conveyed its positions and demands.

Fars further reported that Baghaei noted instances of ceasefire violations on Saturday, underscoring the fragile nature of the situation on ground.

Meanwhile, trilateral ceasefire talks between the United States, Iran and Pakistan have started in Islamabad, Al Jazeera reported, noting that this is the highest-level talks between Washington and Tehran since the 1979 Islamic revolution.

Ahead of the talks with the United States, the Iranian negotiating team held a strategic meeting in the Pakistani capital. The delegation, which arrived in Islamabad to participate in high-stakes discussions, fine-tuned its agenda before the formal commencement of the "peace talks" with the US.

US Iran talks: Three Tehran flights land at Nur Khan as US-Iran delegations arrive

At least three aircraft from Tehran landed at Rawalpindi’s Nur Khan Airbase within the past hour, where both Iranian and US delegations have arrived.

The planes are operated by Pouya Air, an Iranian cargo airline believed to be linked to the IRGC, particularly its Quds Force and Aerospace Force.

The airline is based at Mehrabad International Airport, which was recently targeted in US-Israeli strikes.

US Iran war: Iran 'strongly' denies US claim on Strait of Hormuz vessel movement

A spokesperson for Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters rejected the CENTCOM commander’s claim that US vessels approached or entered the Strait of Hormuz, calling it “strongly denied.”

“The initiative for the passage and movement of any vessel lies with the Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran,” the spokesperson said.

Earlier, CENTCOM stated that two US vessels transited the Strait of Hormuz and operated in the Arabian Gulf as part of a broader mission to ensure the waterway was clear of sea mines allegedly laid by Iran’s IRGC.

Iran war news: Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian reviews damage to production units after strikes

Masoud Pezeshkian said he has met senior officials from Iran’s ministry of industry, Mine and Trade to review the status of production units impacted by recent US-Israeli strikes.

In a post on X, he assured citizens that, with coordinated efforts, the country’s supply and distribution system would continue to function smoothly and in an orderly manner.

US Iran talks: Iran sets ‘red lines’ including compensation for strikes

Iran doubled down on parts of its earlier proposal, with its delegation telling Iranian state television it had presented some of the plan’s ideas as “red lines” in meetings with Sharif. Those included compensation for damage caused by US-Israeli strikes that launched the war on Feb. 28 and releasing Iran’s frozen assets.

The war has killed at least 3,000 people in Iran, 2,020 in Lebanon, 23 in Israel and more than a dozen in Gulf Arab states, and caused lasting damage to infrastructure in half a dozen Middle Eastern countries. Iran's chokehold on the Strait of Hormuz has largely cut off the Persian Gulf and its oil and gas exports from the global economy, sending energy prices soaring.

Reflecting the high stakes, officials from the region said Chinese, Egyptian, Saudi and Qatari officials were in Islamabad to indirectly facilitate the talks. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the sensitive matter.

In Tehran, residents told The Associated Press they were skeptical yet hopeful about the talks after weeks of airstrikes left destruction across their country of some 93 million people. Some said the path to recovery would be long.

“Peace alone is not enough for our country, because we’ve been hit very hard, there have been huge costs,” 62-year-old Amir Razzai Far said.

Iran war news: Iran Central Bank Governor Hemmati meets Pakistan's Deputy PM Ishaq Dar

The Iranian Governor of the Central Bank, Abdolnasser Hemmati on Saturday met Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and foreign minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar in Islamabad on the sidelines of the Islamabad talks, according to the Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

In a post on X, the Pakistani Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, "Governor of the Central Bank of Iran, Dr Abdolnasser Hemmati called on Deputy Prime Minister/ Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 today, on the sidelines of the Islamabad Talks."

US Iran talks: US CENTCOM moves to clear mines in Strait of Hormuz

US Central Command (CENTCOM) said it has begun preparing to clear sea mines in the Strait of Hormuz.

In a post on X, it said the USS Frank E. Peterson and USS Michael Murphy passed through the strait as part of a “broader mission to ensure it is fully cleared of mines,” which it alleged were laid by Iran’s IRGC.

‘More to do’: Netanyahu signals Israel’s Iran war to continue

Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the military campaign against Iran is “not over,” despite what he called “historic achievements.”

“We hit them, but there is still more to be done,” he said.

Iran war news: White House says trilateral in-person talks with Iran, Pakistan 'ongoing'

The White House said high-level in-person trilateral talks with Iran and Pakistan were "ongoing" in Islamabad late on Saturday, with negotiations aimed at ending the war in the Middle East.

A senior White House official said 8in a brief statement that the talks were continuing, after Iranian state media earlier reported that two rounds had taken place and a third was expected.

US Iran war: Pope Leo XIV slams ‘delusion of omnipotence’ behind Iran war

Pope Leo XIV has delivered his strongest rebuke yet of the US–Israel war on Iran, condemning what he called a “delusion of omnipotence” driving the conflict.

“Enough of the idolatry of self and money! Enough of the display of power! Enough of war!” said the first US-born pope during an evening prayer at Saint Peter’s Basilica.

Though he did not name the US or Donald Trump directly, his remarks appeared aimed at Washington, where officials have touted military supremacy and framed the war in religious terms.

US Iran news: Trump claims Iran is 'losing big' in latest social media post

The United States is now starting the process of clearing out the Strait of Hormuz as a favour to countries all over the world, US President Donald Trump said on Saturday and dismissed suggestions of his country not having reached its military objectives in its war with Iran, saying "everyone knows that they are "LOSING BIG".

Trump's post on his social media handle Truth Social came amid his country's peace talks with Iran, being held in Pakistan.

"The Fake News Media has lost total credibility, not that they had any to begin with. Because of their massive Trump Derangement Syndrome (Sometimes referred to as TDS!), they love saying that Iran is "winning" when, in fact, everyone knows that they are LOSING, and LOSING BIG! Their Navy is gone, their Air Force is gone, their Anti Aircraft apparatus is nonexistent, Radar is dead, their Missile and Drone Factories have been largely obliterated along with the Missiles and Drones themselves and, most importantly, their longtime "Leaders" are no longer with us, praise be to Allah!"Trump said in his post.

US Iran talks: Iran media says US making 'excessive demands' on Strait of Hormuz in Pakistan talks

US Iran talks: Iran–US backchannel talks hit roadblocks, says report

Iran’s semi-official Tasnim news agency says Tehran and Washington are exchanging messages in an effort “to reach a common framework for negotiations.”

Citing its correspondent in Islamabad, Tasnim reported that progress has been slowed by what it described as Washington’s “usual excessive demands.”

It added that consultations are ongoing, but the issue of the Strait of Hormuz remains a major point of contention.

Iran war news: 'Wouldn't be appropriate to assume that crisis has completely ended,' says Rajnath Singh on US-Iran ceasefire

Expressing concern over the West Asia Conflict, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday said that it would "not be appropriate to assume that the crisis has completely ended" on the recently announced ceasefire deal between the US and Iran.

He added that there was a formal announcement that a ceasefire had happened, but the ground reality is different and the Centre is "continuously ensuring that there is no crisis of any kind."

Speaking on the West Asia Conflict at Gomti Nagar Jan Kalyan Mahasamiti, he said, "There has been a formal ceasefire, but given the situation on the ground, it would not be appropriate to assume that the crisis has completely ended....We have sufficient reserves to deal with any kind of crisis in the country...The government is continuously ensuring that there is no crisis of any kind, even after two to three months."

On April 8, US President Donald Trump announced a temporary halt to the "bombing and attack" campaign on Iran, proposing a two-week, double-sided ceasefire window. Trump also indicated that a 10-point proposal put forward by Iran was "workable," signalling a possible diplomatic opening between the two long-time adversaries.

Iran war news: Netanyahu warns Iran's 'terrorist regime', proxies amid truce talks

'Threats to negotiators': Iran alleges assassination plot if peace talks in Pakistan fail

'Establishing new passage': US begins mine-clearance in Hormuz; truce talks enter 2nd round

Two US Navy warships have transited the Strait of Hormuz at the start of an operation to clear the strategic waterway of mines laid by Iran, US Central Command said.

USS Frank E Peterson (DDG 121) and USS Michael Murphy (DDG 112) transited the Strait of Hormuz and operated in the Arabian Gulf as part of a broader mission to ensure the strait is fully clear of sea mines previously laid by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps.

“Today, we began the process of establishing a new passage and we will share this safe pathway with the maritime industry soon to encourage the free flow of commerce,” said Adm. Brad Cooper, commander of CENTCOM.

'Establishing new passage': US begins mine-clearing; says 2 ships transited Hormuz

Iran war news: Lebanese PM postpones US trip amid rising tensions at home

Lebanon’s Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said he has postponed his planned visit to the United States and the United Nations “in light of the current internal situation” in the country.

The decision comes as Israeli and Lebanese officials are expected to hold talks in the US next week.

'Seize the opportunity': Macron tells Iranian president amid ongoing peace talks in Islamabad

French President Emmanuel Macron said he held talks with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, urging Tehran to use the ongoing Islamabad negotiations to achieve lasting de-escalation in the region.

"I urged him to seize the opportunity presented by the talks launched in Islamabad to pave the way for a lasting de-escalation and a demanding agreement that provides robust guarantees for security in the region, involving all the countries concerned," he said.

He also stressed the need to restore freedom of navigation and security in the Strait of Hormuz “as quickly as possible,” adding that France is ready to contribute to these efforts.

"I insisted on the importance of full respect for the ceasefire, including in Lebanon. France offers its full support to the actions of the Lebanese authorities, who are the sole legitimate representatives to exercise the sovereignty of the State and decide the destiny of Lebanon," he added.

Iran war news: Pakistan says 'even ceasefire extension a success’

Pakistan’s planning minister Ahsan Iqbal expressed optimism that the United States and Iran could reach a meaningful outcome during talks in Islamabad, while noting that even an agreement to extend the ceasefire would be a positive step.

“The very fact that the two sides are here… shows the seriousness” of both parties, he told Al Jazeera, referring to the high-level delegations, including one led by US Vice President JD Vance.

“If we can find a solution, that would be the best-case scenario. But even if the two sides agree to extend the ceasefire and to have another round of talks, that, too, would be a success for me,” he added.

Iran war news: 312 stranded Indian fishermen in Iran return home via Armenia

A group of 312 Indian fishermen, who were stranded in Iran amid escalating regional tensions, returned to India through Armenia, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Saturday.

The fresh batch was brought back home a week after 345 Indian fishermen were evacuated from Iran.

The external affairs minister thanked his Armenian counterpart Ararat Mirzoyan for Armenia's assistance in return of the Indian nationals.

"Another 312 Indian fishermen safely evacuated from Iran to India through Armenia. Thank the Government of Armenia and my friend @AraratMirzoyan for making it possible," Jaishankar said on social media.

Iran war news: Israeli military says over 200 Hezbollah sites hit in Lebanon in 24 hours

In its latest operational update, the Israeli military has claimed that its forces targeted more than "200 Hezbollah sites" across Lebanon over the past 24 hours.

Sharing the update in a post on X, the Israeli military further stated that its air force would continue to strike "Hezbollah infrastructure" located in southern Lebanon as part of its ongoing military campaign.

The IAF continues to strike Hezbollah infrastructure in order to thwart fire toward Israeli civilians.

Amidst this continued kinetic activity, Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei on Saturday claimed that the ceasefire in Lebanon was part of an agreement in talks with the US, according to the Iranian state media, Press TV.

Press TV also stated that the spokesperson's remarks were confirmed by the Pakistani side. Furthermore, the Iranian delegation is reportedly in touch with Hezbollah to make necessary decisions regarding the situation.

These developments coincide with the commencement of trilateral ceasefire talks between the United States, Iran, and Pakistan in Islamabad. Al Jazeera reported that these represent the highest-level discussions between Washington and Tehran since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

Iran war news: Pezeshkian says Iranian negotiators in Pakistan 'will negotiate courageously'

Iran war news: Trump reiterates US ‘destroyed’ Tehran military, says Hormuz to reopen soon

Iran- Israel war: 'Positive atmosphere,' US-Iran talks make 'some headway' on Lebanon, frozen assets

There has been "some headway" in talks between US and Iran regarding developments in Lebanon, Al Jazeera reported.

According to the report, Israeli operations may now be limited to southern areas, with no further strikes expected in Beirut. However, officials caution that it is still early and confirmation is awaited.

Iran- Israel war: Israeli drones strike southern Lebanon, target town and vehicle, State media reported

Israeli drone strikes hit multiple locations in southern Lebanon, according to the country’s National News Agency (NNA). One attack was reported in the town of al-Majadel, while another targeted a car in Tebnine, the agency said, without providing details on casualties.

'Positive atmosphere': US-Iran talks make 'some headway' on Lebanon, frozen assets

In a rare breakthrough, high-level talks between the United States and Iran were held in what sources described as a "positive atmosphere."

The discussions reportedly lasted just under two hours, with multiple key issues on the table, including major sticking points in the conflict. According to Al Jazeera sources, there has been some initial progress, particularly regarding the situation in Lebanon.

Al Jazeera reported that Israeli operations could now be limited to southern areas, with no further strikes in Beirut, though confirmation is still awaited. Iranian sources also indicated possible movement on the issue of unfreezing Tehran’s assets.

“The two parties are going to meet again over dinner,” the report added, signaling that talks are set to continue.

Iran war news: Macron, Saudi Crown Prince discuss Middle East crisis, back ceasefire and Hormuz navigation

French President Emmanuel Macron said he spoke with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to discuss the situation in the Middle East amid ongoing tensions.

In a post on X, Macron said he had reaffirmed support for a ceasefire that “must be fully respected and extended without delay to include Lebanon as well.”

He added that both sides also discussed restoring “full and safe freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz as quickly as possible.”

With talks now underway in Islamabad, Macron said they agreed to remain in close contact to help de-escalate tensions, ensure maritime security, and work towards a lasting peace in the region.

Iran war news: Iran warns US warship over Hormuz crossing; vessel retreats after threat

Iranian state TV reported that a warning was issued to a US military vessel, saying it would be attacked within 30 minutes if it crossed the Strait of Hormuz.

A senior Iranian military official said the US vessel turned back following the warning, according to Reuters.

Iran war news: Iran and US top officials launch negotiations in Pakistan

Senior Iranian and American officials began negotiations in Pakistan on Saturday, Iranian media reported, in a bid to bring to an end the Middle East war which plunged the region into violence and sent shockwaves through the world economy.

According to Iranian media reports, the Iranian delegation decided to begin talks with their US counterparts after meeting with their Pakistani host, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who also sat down with US Vice President JD Vance.

The Iranian delegation is led by parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Vance was accompanied by White House envoy Steve Witkoff and President Donald Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner.

"Commending the commitment of both delegations to engage constructively, the Prime Minister expressed the hope that these talks would serve as a stepping stone toward durable peace in the region," Sharif's office said,AFP reported.

Iran has previously said that any agreement on a permanent end to fighting must include the unfreezing of sanctioned Iranian assets as well as an end to Israel's war against Hezbollah in Lebanon, which Vance has said will not be up for discussion in Islamabad.

But Iranian state television's correspondent at the talks said he understood that progress had been made on these issues, giving Iran the confidence to allow the talks to go ahead. A US official denied reports that Washington had already agreed to unfreeze Iran assets held in Qatar.

Israel has agreed to talk to Lebanon, but ruled out ceasefire negotiations with Hezbollah.

The warring parties still appeared to be far apart on key issues -- including sanctions, Lebanon and the opening of the strategic Strait of Hormuz -- and made no attempt to hide their mutual suspicion.

"Our experience in negotiating with the Americans has always been met with failure and broken promises," Ghalibaf said, shortly after landing in Pakistan.

Iran war news: 'No price gouging,' Donald Trump warns fertilizer firms

'Beginning Hormuz clearance process': Trump's big statement as US, Iran truce talks under way

US President Donald Trump asserted that Iran is “losing big,” alleging its navy and air force have been crippled, air defence systems destroyed, and missile and drone capabilities largely wiped out.

"The Fake News Media has lost total credibility, not that they had any to begin with. Because of their massive Trump Derangement Syndrome (Sometimes referred to as TDS!), they love saying that Iran is “winning” when, in fact, everyone knows that they are LOSING, and LOSING BIG! Their Navy is gone, their Air Force is gone, their Anti Aircraft apparatus is nonexistent, Radar is dead, their Missile and Drone Factories have been largely obliterated along with the Missiles and Drones themselves and, most importantly, their longtime “Leaders” are no longer with us, praise be to Allah! The only thing they have going is the threat that a ship may “bunk” into one of their sea mines which, by the way, all 28 of their mine dropper boats are also lying at the bottom of the sea."

"We’re now starting the process of clearing out the Strait of Hormuz as a favor to Countries all over the World, including China, Japan, South Korea, France, Germany, and many others," he said.

"Incredibly, they don’t have the Courage or Will to do this work themselves. Very interestingly, however, empty Oil carrying ships from many Nations are all heading to the United States of America to LOAD UP with Oil. Thank you for your attention to this matter!" he added.

Iran war news: US official says no agreements have been made yet as Iran peace talks get underway, shaky ceasefire holds

US-Iran war news: Trump says Iran talks underway, warns US 'ready to go' if needed

US President Donald Trump said in a phone interview with NewsNation that talks with Iran have begun, adding that global oil shipments are already finding alternatives to the Strait of Hormuz.

Trump described Iran as a “failing nation” but expressed confidence that the key shipping route would reopen in the “not too distant future.”

He also warned that if negotiations do not go well, the United States is prepared to “reset,” saying, “We’re ready to go.”

Iran war news: 'Failing nation,' Trump takes swipe at Iran as peace talks begin in Islamabad

Donald Trump called Iran a “failing nation” and said bilateral talks were in progress, according to remarks to Kellie Meyer of News Nation.

When asked about Tehran’s sincerity, he said a judgment would come “very soon.” He also suggested the Strait of Hormuz would reopen in the near term and noted there were “other alternatives” for global energy routes.

Iran war news: White House rejects report of releasing blocked Iranian funds amid Islamabad peace talks

The White House on Saturday rejected reports that the United States had agreed to release Iranian funds previously frozen in Qatari and other international financial institutions. The denial comes as US and Iranian officials meet in Islamabad for sensitive ceasefire talks, according to CBS.

The claim originated from a report citing a senior Iranian official who suggested Washington had approved unfreezing the assets, describing it as a meaningful sign of US commitment to reaching a formal agreement. Another unnamed source linked the alleged move to ensuring safe transit through the Strait of Hormuz.

The disputed $6 billion was initially frozen in 2018 and was due to be released in 2023 under a prisoner exchange deal. However, the Biden administration refroze the funds following the 7 October 2023 attacks on Israel by Hamas. The money, derived from Iranian oil sales to South Korea, had later been transferred to Qatari accounts under strict humanitarian spending rules and US Treasury supervision.

Iran war news: Trump says empty tankers heading to US for 'sweetest' crude

'Fingers on trigger': Iran signals tough stance ahead of US talks

An Iranian government spokesperson said Tehran’s decision to send a delegation to Pakistan reflects its willingness to engage in talks with the United States, while maintaining a firm stance.

Fatemeh Mohajerani warned that Iran’s “fingers would remain on the trigger,” underscoring continued caution amid negotiations. She said Tehran would not “compromise or back down on its sovereign rights,” according to Iran’s Mehr news agency.

“We believe in dialogue and are rational, but we do not trust the United States, and the Iranian delegation is participating in these negotiations with the utmost precision,” she added.